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Tipton Supports Legislation to Reduce the Risk of Landslides

November 30, 2017

Press Release

WASHINGTON D.C. — During a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voiced his support for the National Landslide Preparedness Act (H.R. 1675), and questioned an expert witness on how this legislation would help to evaluate and reduce the risk of landslides. Tipton is a cosponsor of this legislation.

The National Landslide Preparedness Act would direct the U.S. Geological Survey to establish a National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program to identify landslide hazards, reduce losses from landslides, protect communities at risk of landslide hazards and help improve communication and emergency preparedness.

Specifically, this legislation would establish a 3D elevation program to coordinate and facilitate the collection, distribution, and use of 3D elevation data among Federal departments and agencies. The data would also be available to state and local governments.

In his opening statement before the committee, Tipton spoke about a landslide that had occurred in Grand Mesa, Colorado that took the lives of three men.

During the hearing, Tipton asked the witness whether they felt the 3D elevation program might help state and local agencies better evaluate the impacts of landslides and identify the risks of having individuals on the ground in areas where land has shifted. The witness agreed that this program would help better evaluate these areas and prevent future tragedies.

Of the hearing, Congressman Tipton said, “I was glad to hear from an expert on this issue. The National Landslide Preparedness Act is critical for districts like mine, and his testimony has strengthened my support for this legislation. I look forward to seeing it passed out of committee soon.”

Tipton’s opening statement and line of questioning can be viewed here.